Which of the following best describes the process in which surface water becomes water vapor?
A. condensation
B. Precipitation
C. Percolation
D. Evaporation
My answer
A
No. Check the definitions of these words.
Is it D
Yes.
The correct answer is D. Evaporation.
To understand why evaporation is the correct answer, we need to understand the process itself. Evaporation is the transformation of water from a liquid state to a vapor state, usually occurring at the surface of a body of water. This process involves the absorption of energy, typically in the form of heat, which causes the water molecules to gain enough energy to escape into the atmosphere as water vapor.
The other options can be explained as well:
A. Condensation is the process by which a gas or vapor changes to a liquid. It is the opposite of evaporation.
B. Precipitation refers to the fall of water, in liquid or solid form, from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. It includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
C. Percolation is the movement of water through porous materials, such as soil, rock, or other substances. It is usually associated with groundwater and infiltration processes.
To determine the correct answer, we need to focus on the process of surface water becoming water vapor, and that is precisely what happens during evaporation.